RAF Manston Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum

Thanet

Type:Museum

The Memorial Building, The Airfield, Manston Road, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 5DF

Tel: +44 01843 821940

Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Trust

About

Memorial Museum Manston - Have you ever wondered what is might be like to fly a Spitfire?  The Manston Spitfire Experience features a full-scale replica of the cockpit of TB752 "The Manston Spitfire".  A 30-minute experience cost £30.00 and you will be at the controls. An experienced instructor is on hand to assist you.  Bookings are only available on line at www.spitfiremuseum.org.uk/simulator

The Memorial Museum, is situated on the site of one of the very few surviving airfields that participated in the epic ‘Battle of Britain’.

RAF Manston was only 10 minutes flying time from the enemy coast and bore the brunt of the early Luftwaffe air attacks in the long hot summer of 1940. Permanently housed at the Museum are splendid examples of two iconic Second World War fighter aircraft, the Spitfire and Hurricane as well as wide range of other objects and topics which are highly relevant to both the aircraft and local history. In addition to the two display halls, there is also a small shop offering a range of souvenirs and the Merlin Cafeteria which does a wide range of beverages, hot and cold food and enjoys stunning views over the airfield. In addition to the buildings, please be sure to visit the Memorial Garden inaugurated by Dame Vera Lynn where all Allied Aircrew who fought during 1939-45 are commemorated.

The museum is free of charge and open daily from 10:00 - 16.00 (British Winter Time) and 10:00 - 17.00 (Summer Time) with the exception of 24-29 December and 31 Dec.-2 Jan.

The Memorial Garden is open all year round at all times.

There are on-site car and coach parking facilities.

The museum is entirely self-funded and donations are very gratefully received.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
AdultFree

Facilities

Accessibility

  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Ramp/Level Access
  • Wheelchair user accessible

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant
  • Picnic Site

Establishment Features

  • Event Venue
  • LGBT Friendly - The museum adheres to equal opportunities.
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking - Including coach park
  • Parking (free)

Payment Methods

  • Approx length of visit - About 1 to 2 hours
  • Maestro Accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Open by appointment outside normal opening times
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Outdoor Attraction - Memorial Garden

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted - Charge of £50 may apply
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups - Charge of £50 may apply

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

By coach/car follow the signs for Kent International Airport. At the roundabouts leading to the airport you will see tourist signs entitled 'Spitfire Memorial'. Parking for coaches and cars.

If you have a satnav or GPS, use postcode CT12 5DF and the museum’s address.

Public Transport Directions

The museum is approximately a 10 minute taxi ride from Ramsgate train station.

Stagecoach run a bus service (number 38) from the station to near the museum once per hour. 

Awards

  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Tourism South East Member Tourism South East Member 2021

Opening Times

Opening 2024 (1 Nov 2023 - 31 Mar 2024)
DayTimes
MondayClosed*
Tuesday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*
Bank Holiday10:00 - 17:00
Opening 2024 (1 Apr 2024 - 31 Oct 2024)
DayTimes
MondayClosed*
Tuesday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*
Bank Holiday10:00 - 17:00

* Please note the museum is closed from the 24th December to the 27th December.
Please note the museum is closed from the 31st December to the 2nd of January.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

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